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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a massive financial crisis after hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the first global cricket tournament in Pakistan in 29 years. Despite the historic significance, the event turned into an economic disaster, with PCB suffering an 85% financial loss, as per a report by The Telegraph.
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PCB’s Unprecedented Spending and Financial Collapse
According to the report, PCB spent a staggering INR 869 crore (PKR 18 billion or approximately $58 million) to upgrade three venues in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi—exceeding the initial budget by 50%. Additionally, they spent another $40 million on event planning.
However, their total revenue from hosting fees, ticket sales, and sponsorships was only $6 million, leading to an estimated loss of $85 million.
The biggest blow came as the Pakistan team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, played only one completed home game—against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Their second match, against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, was washed out without a single ball bowled, and two of the remaining eight matches in Pakistan also ended in the same manner due to rain.
Pakistan Players Face The Consequences
The financial mismanagement has had a direct impact on Pakistani cricketers, with reports stating that:
- Match fees in the national T20 competition were slashed by 90%
- Reserve players’ salaries were cut by 87.5%
- Players, who were previously housed in five-star hotels, are now staying in modest accommodations
- Meanwhile, PCB administrators continue to earn millions
A report by Dawn further revealed:
“The PCB had recently reduced match fees from ₹40,000 to ₹10,000 without any official announcement… However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened, rejecting the decision and directing the board’s domestic cricket department to reassess the matter. While the PCB has yet to officially disclose the revised amount, sources indicate it has been set at ₹30,000 per match — ₹10,000 less than last year.”
What’s Next for PCB?
With major financial losses and player dissatisfaction growing, PCB finds itself in a deep crisis. The board will now have to reassess its financial planning and domestic structure to prevent further damage.
The Champions Trophy 2025 was meant to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host global events, but instead, it has left the cricketing body in turmoil. The question now is: Can PCB recover from this financial disaster before the next major ICC event?
